My two hats of business/political journalism and theatre reviewing are usually separate but they came together for this theatre revival of classic TV comedy Yes, Prime Minister.
Following the successful production of I’m Sorry, Prime Minister in 2023 which transferred to the West End, this is a prequel by Cirencester’s Barn Theatre.
Like the famous 1980s TV programme, it focuses on the bumbling politician Sir Jim Hacker, his controlling civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby and the more junior adviser Bernard Wolesley.
Set in the late 2000s and a world when Britain is still part of the EU and Blackberrys are the most popular phone, it tells the story of a chaotic weekend at Chequers.
Jim Hacker is prime minister and he is hosting a summit with European leaders to negotiate a financial bailout to prevent a looming economic crisis. An offer from an oil-rich country could save the day but it’s dependent on the support of the Americans. The PM thinks it’s a done deal but Bernard then get a shock demand from the US secretary of state for three sex workers to be brought to his room or the agreement will be scuppered.
Chaos ensues as the team ponder the moral dilemma of whether to give the American politician what he wants.
The show has some very funny moments and Jay Villiers (Sir Jim Hacker), Clive Hayward (Sir Humphrey Appleby) and William Owen (Bernard Woolley) do a fantastic job at recreating the original 1980s characters and atmosphere of the TV show.
But it’s not just an 80s nostalgia-fest. It is cleverly updated for the 21st century. New character Claire Sutton, the PM’s assistant played really well by Ruth Gibson, is added and even though it’s set over 15 years ago, the action still feels very appropriate in 2026 as this line in the programme says:
“Threats from Russia, turmoil in the Middle East, an isolationist American president, strained relationships with Europe, oil dependency, cabinet splits, rumours of a leadership challenge and powerful abusive men being protected at the highest level of society”.
The set is impressive. The action happens in one room at Chequers, which has been wonderfully recreated by designer Anna Kelsey who spent hours studying original photographs.
On the downside though, I found parts of the story a little uncomfortable such as Jim Hacker’s use of offensive stereotype names for European nations, and while a clever plot device, some of the jokes about a search for illegal immigrant prostitutes didn’t quite work for me.
Fans who watched and loved the original sitcom will no doubt really like the show but in 2026 Britain it isn’t the format that everyone will enjoy.
⭐⭐⭐
Yes, Prime Minister is at Theatre Royal Bath until 10 October.
